County Executive Bob Culver announced Monday that Michele Ennis will serve as Wicomico County’s new Director of Finance.

Ennis began her career with county’s Finance Department in 2003. Originally a Finance Specialist, her duties were concentrated in payroll functions.

The payroll aspect of the Finance Department was later transferred to the Human Resources Department, where she was promoted to Payroll Manager. Shortly after, she was promoted to Budget Manager and has maintained a role in the county budget preparation for the past 14 years.

Later, she was promoted to Human Resources Director, a position she has held for the last eight years.

Ennis is a Parkside High School graduate and holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Salisbury University, a master’s in Human Resources Management from Wilmington University and a doctorate in Philosophy in Organizational Leadership from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

She is a Certified Public Accountant candidate and a member of Government Finance Officers Association.

Culver said Ennis “has played an instrumental role in the development of the county budget for the last several years.”

“Because of her aggressive, yet conservative approach to departmental budgeting, the county has realized a savings of approximately $20 million in the last several years,” Culver said.

He also praised his new appointment for her work on the county’s pension program.

“She has introduced money saving financial strategies concerning employee insurance benefits, previous (retired) employee benefits and the pension plan for county employees. Her leadership and strategies have provided a pathway to a fully funded medical and pension plan for retirees,” Culver said.

“Having played a key role in development of the county budget for several years,” Culver said, “she is well-prepared to lead the county as the Director of Finance. She will serve Wicomico County with the county’s best interests as her main priority.”